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Glossary

A

Surgery within the central or peripheral nervous system to help alleviate pain

Acetaminophen

Pain reliever and fever reducer such as Tylenol. Elevates the pain threshold.

Acupressure

Technique that uses pressure on certain points along the body to help control pain

Acupuncture

Ancient Chinese healing technique uses the insertion of strategically placed fine needles just beneath the skin’s surface that may help to prevent or treat diseases and illnesses

Acute Pain

Pain that comes on suddenly. Pain can be intense and severe and last a relatively short time. Often a warning that something is wrong in the body.

Addiction

Strong chronic physiological and psychological dependence on a substance

Adjuvant Analgesics

Drugs not primarily intended for pain relief but may relieve pain in some circumstances (i.e. antidepressants, anticonvulsants)

Adverse events

Unanticipated problem involving risk that may be harmful

Algogenic

Causing pain

Allodynia

Pain that occurs from circumstance not normally associated with pain such as something lightly touching your skin causing pain

Allopathic

Traditional medicine

Amitriptyline

An antidepressant medication that may be used to treat chronic pain

Analgesic

Medication designed to prevent or relieve pain

Analgesic ceiling

Dose of analgesic beyond which no additional analgesia is obtained

Anesthesiologist

Physician who provides pain relief and maintains a stable condition during and following an operation or diagnostic procedure. Anesthesiologist may diagnose and treat acute and chronic pain conditions.

Anesthetic

Medication that causes loss of sensation-numbness

Antidepressant

A medication used to treat depression and also prescribed as an adjuvant analgesic used to manage pain symptoms

Antiemetic

Medication that prevents or alleviates nausea and vomiting

Antiepileptic drug

Drug used in treatment of epilepsy and treatment of chronic pain

Anxiolytics

Medications prescribed to help manage anxiety and also helps ease pain by helping muscles relax

Arachnoiditis

Painful inflammation and thickening of the arachnoid membrane around nerve roots

Arthritis

Inflammation of a joint that may result in stiffness, swelling, redness and pain

Assessment

An evaluation or appraisal of a condition, as in pain assessment

Aura

Visual disturbance such as flashes of light, zigzagging patterns or blind spots that can signal the onset of pain

Autoimmune

A misdirected immune response that occurs when the immune system is skewed and attacks the body itself

B

Psychotherapy that is concerned with the treatment of observable behaviors rather than underlying psychological processes

Benzodiazepines

Drugs that work as tranquilizers

Beta-blockers

Drugs that can inhibit the sympathetic nervous system involving physical responses and reduce certain symptoms

Biofeedback

A technique in which an individual learns to consciously control involuntary physical responses, including heart rate, brain waves, and muscle contractions. Information about these normally unconscious physiologic processes is then relayed back to the patient as a visual, auditory, or demonstrative signal.

Biologically Based Therapy

Therapy that includes natural and biologically based practices, interventions and products such as herbal supplements and special dietary guidelines

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox)

A purified botulinum toxin that is used by injection for various purposes including pain management to treat migraines

Breakthrough Pain

Pain that appears or breaks through in spite of the fact an individual is taking pain medication

Breathing

To inhale or exhale air through the lungs. Breathing can be controlled both consciously and unconsciously. Conscious attention to breathing is common in many forms of relaxation and meditation, specifically in forms of yoga and Chinese Qi gong.

C

Calcium channel blocker

Drug that prevents or slows the influx of calcium ions into smooth muscle cells and can be used to treat pain

Capsaicin

Found in certain plants, including cayenne and red pepper and may be used topically to relieve pain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Nerve damage as a result of compression of the median nerve in the wrist

Cartilage

Tissue that cushions bones at joints and other locations

Causalgia

A persistent burning sensation of the skin, usually caused by damage to peripheral nerves

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Body system comprised of the brain and spinal cord

Central pain

Pain associated within the central nervous system

Central sensitization

An increase in the excitability of neurons within the central nervous system, resulting in abnormal responses

Chiropractic

Treatment based on the effect of spinal anatomy on the functioning of the body. Technique works to remove interruptions to the flow of nerve transmission.

Chronic Pain

Pain that is long lasting for at least three to six months and may increase with time. Can be caused by a health problem or injury and can exist without a clear cause. It is constant and present almost all of the time.

Cluster headache

Episodic and chronic headache pattern, characterized by 1-3 short attacks of pain daily

Comorbid

Disease or process that occurs simultaneously with another disease or process.

Complementary and Alternative Therapy (CAM)

An alternative pain management strategy that does not include standard medical approaches, i.e. yoga, herbs, acupuncture

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Also known as RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy) and Causalgia is persistent burning pain accompanied by other symptoms

Complication

An additional problem that arises following an illness, treatment or procedure

Computed Axial Tomography (CAT Scan)

Diagnostic technique using x-ray to provide a computerized cross section image of soft tissue and bone

Computed tomography Scan (CT)

Diagnostic technique using x-ray to provide a computerized cross section image of soft tissue and bone

Continuous dysesthesia

Continuous neuropathic pain that manifests as burning, electrical or other abnormal sensation

Contraindication

Treatment that is improper or undesirable

Corticosteroids

Steroids used as an anti-inflammatory agent for pain.

COX-2 inhibitor (Coxibs)

Drugs that may relieve pain and inflammation that block COX-2 enzymes and active only at site of inflammation

An academic degree for medical doctors and is the most common degree held by physicians and surgeons

Duloxetine

Serotonin inhibitor and norepinephrine reuptake used for pain management

Dysesthesia

Unpleasant spontaneous or evoked abnormal sensation in people with neuropathic pain; distinct from pain in the classical sense

Dysphoria

Anxiety, depression or unease

E

Efficacy

The ability of an intervention to produce the desired beneficial effect

Electroneuromyography (EMG)

Testing and recording neuromuscular activity by electrical stimulation of the nerves. Nerve stimulations test may be used alone or in combination with imaging tests.

Energy Medicine

Based on the concept that human beings conduct a subtle form of energy and that illness results from disturbances of these subtle energies. Work is then done to restore and rebalance the flow of the body's energy. Examples include Reiki, Qi gong and healing touch.

Enzyme

Protein that increases chemical reaction in a living organism

Epidural anesthesia

Anesthesia produced by injection of a local anesthetic into the peridural space of the spinal cord

F

Facet Joints

Joints located between two adjacent vertebrae at every spinal level

Family and General Practitioner

Family doctors treat a range of health problems including pain. Often refers patients to a specialist.

Fibromyalgia

Characterized by chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints all over the body without detectable inflammation. Fatigue and sleep disorders are common.

Field block injection

Used to relax tender muscles, reduce muscle pain and inflammation. Targeted muscle is injected with local anesthetic and corticosteroid. Also known as trigger point injection.

G

Characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood and produces lumps in and around joints. Also decreases kidney function.

H

Headache

Head pain above the eyes or the ears, behind the head, or in the back of the upper neck. Primary headaches are migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. Secondary headaches are associated with another disease.

Healing Touch

A non-invasive technique that utilizes the hands to clear, energize, and balance energy fields. During this therapy, the practitioner and client come together energetically to facilitate the client’s health and healing

Herniated Disc

Rupture of tissue that separates vertebrae of the spinal column

Herpes zoster (Shingles)

An acute viral inflammation of nerves caused by reactivation of the herpes virus that causes chicken pox. Blisters over nerve, with pain and itching.

Hyperalgesia

Excessive sensitivity to pain or enhanced intensity of pain sensation

Hyperpathia

Excessive response to pain trigger that continues after the trigger is gone

Hypnosis

A state of consciousness in which a person's attention is focused towards images, thoughts, perceptions, feelings, motivations, sensations, behaviors, or a combination of these. A hypnotist can train some migraine patients to self-hypnotize in order to reduce stress and related symptoms.

Hypoalgesia

Diminished pain in response to normally painful stimulus

I

Iatrogenic

Unexpected result of a medical treatment caused by the treatment itself

Imagery

Using mental images from memory or imagination to relieve pain

Immediate-Release Medication

Medication that takes effect over a short period of time

Immune System

System that protects body from foreign substances and infections

Inflammation

Non specific immune response within tissues as result of injury or abnormal stimulation. Usually accompanied by redness, heat, swelling

Internist

A medical doctor who focuses on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases

Intervention

Any measure whose purpose is to improve health or to alter the course of a disease

Interventional pain management

Blocking of the body's production and/or transmission of pain signals to the brain by use of a neurological procedure, nerve block spinal cord stimulation, implantation of a drug delivery system or injection of an anesthetic.

Intractable pain

Pain that does not respond to treatment

Intrathecal anesthesia

Anesthesia placed in the space under the arachnoid membrane which covers the brain and spinal cord

L

An anesthetic that produces pain relief by blocking the signals at the nerve endings in the skin. Lidocaine topical systems are used to relieve pain and discomfort.

Long-Acting/Sustained-Release Medication

Medication that is released over a long period of time and is taken on a regular basis.

Lumbar spondylosis (degenerative disc disease)

Degeneration of the lumbar spine associated with back pain and/or leg symptoms.

M

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Diagnostic technology using magnetic fields to produce a computerized image (no x-ray involved). A contrast material may be infused intravenously. People with any metal in their body should not have an MRI. Can be used to determine pain source.

Manipulative and Body Based Therapy

These methods are based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body, including chiropractic techniques, massage, and reflexology.

Meditation

Mental calmness and physical relaxation by suspending the stream of thoughts that normally occupy the mind. Used to reduce stress, alter hormone levels, and elevate one’s mood.

Medicine that focuses on the interactions among the brain, mind body, and behavior, while considering ways in which emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and behavioral factors can directly affect health. Mind body medicine techniques include relaxation, hypnosis, visual imagery, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, group support spirituality, and prayer.

Muscle

Tissue of the body which primarily functions as a source of power.

Music Therapy

The use of music interventions to accomplish any range of goals, including improvement of motor skills, social/interpersonal development, cognitive development, self-awareness and spiritual enhancement.

Myelogram

An x-ray using contrast dye to identify nerve compression caused by a herniated disc or fracture of the spine.

N

A bundle of fibers that uses chemical and electrical signals to transmit sensory and motor information from one body part to another.

Nerve block

A procedure in which an anesthetic agent is injected directly near a nerve to numb the area and help alleviate pain

Neuralgia

Pain along the course of a nerve

Neurologist

Medical doctor who diagnoses and treats problems with the nervous system, including chronic pain. A neurologist can be either an M.D. or specialty trained physician.

Neuropathic pain

Pain caused damage to or dysfunction in the peripheral and/or central nervous systems. Symptoms may include burning, tingling or hypersensitivity to cold or touch.

Neuropathy

Any and all disease or malfunction of the nerves

Neuropsychologist

Psychologist who has specialized training and experience in understanding brain-behavior relationships. A neuropsychologist has an advanced degree in psychology, and usually works with psychiatrists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiatrists and other medical specialists.

Neurosurgeon

Surgeon who specializes in diseases and conditions of the central nervous system, and the nerves that branch out from the spine. Provide surgical and non-surgical interventions and assist with pain management.

O

Strong pain relieving medication that is not derived from opium. Drugs such as codeine and morphine that require a prescription.

Orthopedist

Medical doctor specializing in problems of the musculoskeletal system, including the spine

Osteoarthritis

A non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease characterized by degeneration of cartilage and increase in bone size. It is accompanied by pain, usually after prolonged activity and stiffness, particularly in the morning or with inactivity.

Osteopath

A Doctor of Osteoepathy diagnoses and treats illness through hands on manual medicine and the body's musculoskeletal system

P

Pain

Unpleasant sensations that can range from mild, localized discomfort to agony that may have physical and emotional consequences

Pain Specialist

Pain medicine physicians are experts at diagnosing the cause of pain and then treating the pain. Work closely with primary care doctor.

Pain, acute

See acute pain

Pain, chronic

See chronic pain

Palliative Care

Medical care provided by an interdisciplinary team that promotes quality of life and relieves suffering. The goal is to promote the best possible quality of life for patients facing serious, life-threatening illness whether the goal is cure or care.

Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)

A method by which the patient controls the amount of analgesia they receive. In the classic PCA system, the patients receive a preset dose and add more medication as needed and prescribed.

Peripheral

Situated away from the center, as opposed to being centrally located

Peripheral Nervous System

Includes nerves throughout the body that relay message such as pain to the CNS (Central Nervous System)

Reduction in threshold and an increase in responsiveness of the peripheral ends of nociceptors

Phantom Pain

Pain that is experienced in a body part that is no longer present

Pharmacotherapy

Medication based therapy

Photophobia

Abnormal or painful visual intolerance of light

Physiatrist

A physician whose primary goal is to achieve maximal restoration of physical, psychological, social and vocational function through comprehensive rehabilitation. The physiatrist has expertise in the appropriate use of therapeutic exercise, prosthetics, orthotics and mechanical and electrical devices.

Medical doctor specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental, addictive and emotional disorders. Has understanding of the biologic, psychological and social components of illness, and able to treat the whole person.

Psychogenic Pain or Psycho physiologic Pain

Pain mainly related to psychological factors without evidence of disorder or result of physical and psychological factors

Psychological Therapy

Therapy used instead of or in addition to medication to manage pain.May include biofeedback, relaxation, stress management, and behavioral therapy

Psychologist

A professional who is licensed to provide therapeutic services, research and testing. There are clinical psychologists who provide counseling and psychotherapy.

Q

Qi gong

A component of traditional Chinese medicine that combines movement, meditation, and regulation of breathing to enhance the flow of qi (an term given to what is believed to be vital energy) in the body, improve blood circulation, and enhance immune function.

R

Radiculopathy

Disease caused by compression, inflammation, and/or injury to a spinal nerve root in the low back. Also known as radicular pain or sciatica.

Rebound headache

Headache experienced by people who have built up a specific medication tolerance and occurs immediately after medication wears off

Referred pain

Pain felt in one area of the body that does not accurately represent where the problem is, because the pain is referred there from another area, i.e. pain in jaw, arm, etc. from heart attack

Reflexology

Form of massage where a practitioner applies pressure to certain parts of the feet and hands to help promote relaxation and healing at specified points in the body

Rehabilitation

Treatment plan used to help regain function or relieve pain caused by illness or injury

Reiki

Practice of transmitting healing energy through the hands, based on ancient techniques. Uses specific hand positions on or above parts of the body that correspond to the major organs and energy centers, such as the heart or adrenal glands. Can be used to treat acute and chronic pain.

Relaxation

State of deep rest in which the metabolism slows, less oxygen is needed, heart and respiration rates drop, blood pressure drops, and brain waves slow

A headache caused by pressure within the sinus cavities of the head, usually in connection with infection of the sinuses

Social Worker

Professional who may assist people to obtain tangible services, help communities or groups provide or improve social and health services, provide counseling and psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups

Somatic

Relating to the body as opposed to the mind

Somatic Pain

Pain that tends to arise from voluntary muscles in the legs or arms and feels localized to one spot as well as achy and throbbing

T

Mild or moderate pain of variable duration affecting both sides of the head and often accompanied by contraction of neck and scalp muscles

Titration

Determination of a given component in solution by addition of a liquid reagent of known strength until a given endpoint is reached

Tolerance

When the body becomes accustomed to a pain relieving medication so much so that the dosage needs to be adjusted or a new medication needs to be prescribed

Topical analgesics

Analgesics designed for or involving application to or action on the surface of a part of the body

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

Device providing gentle electric current applied through electrodes put on the surface of the skin. Electrodes may also be implanted along affected nerves or in space surrounding the spinal cord.

Transdermal

Medication that is put on the skin and is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

Medications used to treat depression as well as some forms of anxiety, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain

Trigeminal nerve

The largest cranial nerves

Trigger

Set off disease in those who are genetically predisposed to developing a disease, or that causes a certain symptom to occur

Triptans

Mediation often used to treat migraine symptoms as it constricts blood vessels in the brain to relieve swelling

U

Ultrasound

High frequency sound waves used to obtain images inside the body. May relieve muscle strain and osteoarthritis pain.

V

Visceral Pain

Pain that tends to arise from internal organs and feels like squeezing, cramping, or pressure

Visualization

Creating a mental image of a desired outcome, and repeatedly playing that image in the mind for purpose of pain relief

W

Whole Medical Systems

Therapy that uses a combination of complementary and alternative medicine techniques to treat a condition

Wind-up pain (sensitization)

Pain caused as a result of the release of chemicals from nerve cells in the spinal cord that intensify pain and the signal to the brain

Withdrawal symptoms

Abnormal physical or psychological symptoms that occur after sudden drug withdrawal. Can include sweating, tremor, nausea, anxiety, insomnia and pain.

X

X-ray

A type of high energy photon that provides a picture of bone to rule out bone damage and/or fracture

Y

Yoga

A philosophy and discipline applied to the development of mind, body and spirit. Through practices of holding a variety of body positions and the centering of the mind and breath in a meditative way, the practioner increases body awareness, posture, flexibility of body, and mind and calmness of spirit.